Water Woes: Learn to Conserve the World’s Water Supply
by Laura Platino

If you don’t live in Southern California, where the water shortage is not only heavily publicized but also threatens to restrict, ration and even impose charges for unnecessary water usage, you may not be fully aware of the dire concern for our world’s drinkable water supply. Politicians and conservationists in other southwestern states dealing with similar drought conditions are emphasizing the impact individual consumption has on the crisis, and how small changes in the use of one of our most precious resources can save gallons of water a day.

Although the immediate attention in America is focused on our arid climate, the imminent water shortage is global and severe. As we casually water our lawns, carelessly toss half-finished bottles of water and run our dishwashers twice a day, children in Africa and other countries are dying of waterborne diseases where finding clean water is its own war. As population and overall temperatures continue to rise, many researchers estimate that by 2025 one-third of all people — including those in the U.S. — will endure desperate scarcity of clean water.

Governments, environmentalists, health organizations, corporations and even inventors are brainstorming ideas of how to cure or at least slow the earth’s hydration problems. In the meantime, here are some conservation tips we should all be considering:

Load Up. Do full loads of laundry and make sure you completely fill the dishwasher with dirty dishes before running a cycle.

Reuse. Catch the water you use to rinse vegetables and reuse it to water flowers in the garden. Use unfinished water bottles to fill your pet’s water dish.

Refuse. Ask your waiter at the restaurant not to bring you water if you know you won’t drink it. Or ask for water without ice.

Make It Quick. Shorten your shower. Turn water off while you lather or shave. You also can shut it off while you brush your teeth.

Let It Be. So your car is a little dirty…it certainly doesn’t mind. Neither will the sidewalk in front of your house, your deck or your garage door.

Ms. Fix-It. Take the time to stop that leaky faucet, toilet or hose from dribbling.

Don’t Dispose. Your sink’s garbage disposal requires a lot of water to operate properly. Try composting food waste as an alternative.

Talk About It. Create awareness in your home, at work, at school and in your community by encouraging others to conserve.

photo by joost nelissen

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